PTA

Membership is open to anyone who believes in the Mission and Purposes of National Parent Teacher Association. Individual members may belong to any number of PTAs and pay dues in each. Every person who joins a local PTA automatically becomes a member of both the state and National PTAs.

Together we are a powerful voice for children. With your help, we can continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every child.

 

PTA Vision

Making every child's potential a reality.

 

PTA Mission

PTA is
A powerful voice for all children,
A relevant resouce for families and communities, and
A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

 

PTA Values

Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to accomplish our agreed-upon goals.

Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, and educational success through strong parent, family, and community involvement.

Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on our promises.

Respect: We value our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort and thought from ourselves as we do from others.

Inclusivity: We invite the stranger and welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible.

Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake and seek to make amends.

 

The Purposes of the Parent Teacher Association

To promote the welfare of the children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

To raise the standards of home life.

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.

To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

 

The Local Parent Teacher Association

The PTA at the local level is linked to the state PTA and National PTA, forming a nationwide network of members working on behalf of all children and youth.

Because of its connections to the state and National PTAs, the local PTA is a valuable resource to its school community with (1) access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families, and (2) the recognition and size to influence the formulation of laws, policies, and practices—education or legislative.

 

Early Childhood PTAs

Preschool groups often round up parents from several neighborhoods and various early-childhood programs. They involve child-care providers, grandparents, and others concerned with the education and development of children from birth to age five.

 

Elementary/Middle School PTAs

PTAs serve as a type of forum where parents, teachers, administrators, and other concerned adults discuss ways to promote quality education, strive to expand the arts, encourage community involvement, and work for a healthy environment and safe neighborhoods.

 

Parent-Teacher-Student Associations

PTSAs actually provide youth members with the opportunity to make a difference by developing leadership skills, learning about the legislative process, increasing their self-esteem, and contributing to the school. In turn, adult members gain a new perspective for program development, as well as acquire a better understanding of the youth of today.

 

Special Education PTAs

National PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education, which allows each child the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. Special Education PTAs are designed to help parents advocate for special-needs children.

 

PTA's Nonsectarian Policy

PTA welcomes into membership people representing a diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and political and religious beliefs. The Purposes of the PTA acknowledge the importance of a spiritual life in the development of children and youth. As an association, PTA has the right to offer inspirational messages to open or close its meetings, but such messages by PTA leaders or invited religious leaders should be inspirational rather than sectarian, recognizing that in this pluralistic nation not all members share the same beliefs. Poetry, quotations from great men and women, uplifting anecdotes, and moments of quiet meditation can be used.

 

PTA National Strategic Plan 2007-2010

From the PTA National Strategic Plan 2007-2010:
"PTA is focused on the future. To accomplish its mission, PTA needs a vision for the future, as well as clearly defined goals, guidelines, and initiatives. Therefore, in 2006, a broadly representative group of PTA volunteers and staff accepted the responsibility of drafting a strategic plan to guide PTA’s work over the next three years.

 

Member Benefits

Numerous benefits are available to dues-paying units and members.

All PTA Member units have access to:

  • Our Children magazine, PTA’s flagship publication with parenting articles by experts on children's health, education, and well-being; and information on advocacy efforts; the latest news that affects children and youth.
  • Professionally designed public service announcements (PSAs) to aid in membership recruitment.
  • National PTA Annual Convention registration information.
  • A Back-to-School kit containing recruitment ideas and other materials to get the year started.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week ideas.
  • Select resources developed in collaboration with PTA’s national partners.
  • National PTA's Membership Achievement Program.
  • Numerous resources on parent involvement programs, fundraising, working collaboratively, and much more.
  • Discounts and special offers from a host of PTA sponsors and community partners.

Individual members have access to a number of exclusive benefits too, including:

  • Online parenting resources, including select articles from Our Children magazine.
  • E-newsletters on parenting and legislative issues.
  • Exclusive National PTA member benefits and sponsor offers from companies such as Office Depot and Barnes & Noble.
  • Leadership training opportunities in-person and online.
  • Discounted member rate for PTA’s annual national convention, magazine subscriptions, and more.
  • The Member-to-Member Network, connecting you to Congress when help is needed on issues important to children, schools, and families.

 

Member Benefit Providers

Additionally, because of the size of our organization, PTA is able to partner with businesses and negotiate special discounts, fundraising opportunities, and other valuable benefits exclusively for PTA members. When you make purchases from these companies, not only will you receive a discount, but National PTA will also receive a percentage of royalties from the sale.

PTA is working diligently to establish relationships with additional Member Benefit Providers to provide you with even more exclusive benefits in other categories. When you see this Proud Member Benefits logo, you’ll know the company has established a relationship with National PTA to provide special services or discounts exclusively for PTA members.

 

Access the Exclusive Member Benefits

PTA members can access the exclusive benefits and save money. LOG IN

Barnesandnoble.com
National PTA and Barnesandnoble.com have developed a discounted online bookstore for PTA members featuring over one million titles of books, textbooks, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and videos. Members will save 5 percent on all purchases ordered from this site in addition to any normal site discounts of up to 40 percent. New titles and special discounts will be featured periodically.

Liberty Mutual
As a member of the PTA you qualify for a special group discount on your auto, home, and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions or direct bill. You’ll also enjoy fast, easy round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts.

Southwest Airlines Vacations
Southwest Airlines Vacations has teamed up with National PTA to offer PTA members an exclusive discount on vacation packages. Members can save five percent on vacation packages to more than 40 exciting destinations, in addition to everyday low rates and ongoing special offers.

Southwest Airlines Vacations offers convenient and affordable vacation packages, perfect for busy parents trying to plan their next getaway! Simply choose your destination, select your flights and hotel accommodations, then add theme park tickets, tours, rental cars, and more - all in one place, for one low price.

NEW! Southwest Airlines Vacations Benefit Banners: Use these downloadable banners in your newsletters or on your PTA website to tell your members about this Exclusive Member Benefit.